A new live entertainment venue is set to launch at a popular visitor attraction this spring, opening with rock musical We Will Rock You.
Big Top Arena is launching at Trentham, in Stoke-on-Trent, this March.
As the name suggests, the performances will be housed in a purpose-built, full-heated big top tent.
It’s been designed to deliver the atmosphere of a major gig with the comfort and production quality of a modern theatre, bosses said.
There is seating for about 800 audience members, and the production brings with it the latest technology in sound and lighting.
We Will Rock You, written by Ben Elton and featuring more than 20 of Queen’s greatest hits, features anthems including Bohemian Rhapsody, Don’t Stop Me Now, Radio Ga Ga, Somebody To Love and We Are The Champions.
The show is set in a future where live music has been banned, and follows a group of outsiders who rediscover the power of rock, rebellion and individuality.
More akin to a gig than traditional theatre, show bosses say the production is aimed at music lovers, fans of live bands and audiences looking for a big night out.
The Big Top Arena is expected to host a programme of large-scale musicals, concerts and special events.
A spokesperson said: “Big Top Arena is about rethinking how audiences experience live theatre and live entertainment.
“The Big Top format allows us to combine the scale and energy of a live gig with the storytelling and production values of theatre, creating something genuinely different.”
We Will Rock You was a natural fit for the space, they added. Performances take place 7-15 March 2026.
Follow So Staffordshire on Facebook, Threads and Instagram, or email staffordshire@so-counties.co.uk with story suggestions and to enquire about advertising opportunities.
